Best new international theme park rides for 2012

Caption20) Everland - New roller coaster

Everland

Everland officials have announced plans to replace Eagle Fortress at the South Korean park with a new roller coaster in 2012. The Arrow suspended terrain coaster, which hasn't operated since 2009, is similar to Ninja at California's Six Flags Magic Mountain and Iron Dragon at Ohio's Cedar Point...

Everland officials have announced plans to replace Eagle Fortress at the South Korean park with a new roller coaster in 2012. The Arrow suspended terrain coaster, which hasn't operated since 2009, is similar to Ninja at California's Six Flags Magic Mountain and Iron Dragon at Ohio's Cedar Point... (Everland)

Based on the third movie in the animated series, "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 4D" will debut at special-effects theaters at Alton Towers (United Kingdom) and Gardaland (Italy), sister parks operated by Merlin Entertainment.

Based on the third movie in the animated series, "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 4D" will debut at special-effects theaters at Alton Towers (United Kingdom) and Gardaland (Italy), sister parks operated by Merlin Entertainment. (Merlin Entertainment)

Universal Studios Japan will open a new Wonderland area in 2012 themed as a town populated by Sesame Street, Peanuts and Hello Kitty characters. Replacing the former Land of Oz area, the Wonderland kiddie land will include a new family-friendly ride and character meet-and-greet locations.

Universal Studios Japan will open a new Wonderland area in 2012 themed as a town populated by Sesame Street, Peanuts and Hello Kitty characters. Replacing the former Land of Oz area, the Wonderland kiddie land will include a new family-friendly ride and character meet-and-greet locations. (Universal Studios)

Toverland in the Netherlands will add a family coaster with spinning cars that pull up to 4Gs as riders navigate a twisting and turning track. The new Mack coaster will be similar to Sierra Sidewinder at Knott's Berry Farm in California.

Toverland in the Netherlands will add a family coaster with spinning cars that pull up to 4Gs as riders navigate a twisting and turning track. The new Mack coaster will be similar to Sierra Sidewinder at Knott's Berry Farm in California. (Mack Rides)

Riders will unearth a secret hidden for decades in an underground catacomb on the new thrill ride coming to the United Kingdom's Alton Towers in 2012. Nemesis: What Lies Beneath, an indoor dark ride based on the back story created for the original 1994 Nemesis inverted roller coaster, promises...

Riders will unearth a secret hidden for decades in an underground catacomb on the new thrill ride coming to the United Kingdom's Alton Towers in 2012. Nemesis: What Lies Beneath, an indoor dark ride based on the back story created for the original 1994 Nemesis inverted roller coaster, promises... (Alton Towers)

Theme parks around the world are preparing a highly anticipated slate for 2012 that includes record-setting roller coasters, one-of-a-kind attractions, pulse-quickening thrill rides and family-friendly themed lands.